Stony Brook Hosts Its Largest-Ever ‘I Hit Submit!’ Fellowship Celebration

The 'I Hit Submit!' celebration recognized more than 100 students who submitted applications for over 20 different national and international merit-based awards. Photos by Elizabeth Ann Moon.

This year, over 100 students - the largest group ever - submitted applications for competitive fellowships for the 2025-26 academic year. The 'I Hit Submit!' celebration in the Shore Club on December 4 honored their ambition and perseverance.

"This year's applicants have shown incredible determination," said Ashley Staples, director of External Fellowships and Scholarly Development. Students submitted applications for over 20 different national and international merit-based awards.

The event featured student speakers who shared their experiences navigating the application process and the lessons learned throughout the process.

"Applying to awards helps create a vision for yourself where you learn to articulate your goals and interests," said Gabriella Vaccaro, an undergraduate student and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipient. "You're met with tangible feedback to make improvements that will assist you as you apply to other opportunities in the future."

Ashley Staples, director of External Fellowships and Scholarly Development and Vernon Caldwell, assistant director of External Fellowships and Scholarly Development.

Graduate student speaker Anastasia Iorga, a recipient of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) American dissertation fellowship, encouraged persistence for fellow students applying for fellowships. "It is a numbers game! All it takes is one, so be sure to apply for each award you might be interested in. Each application experience is an important step on your journey. Take this moment to congratulate yourself and continue trying and putting yourself out there."

While some applicants have already received notifications from programs such as the Marshall Scholarship and Gilman Scholarship, most applicants are still awaiting final decisions (expected by the spring). This period of waiting can be nerve-wracking and this celebratory event is an opportunity to recognize the hard work that has already been accomplished.

Faculty and staff who supported the students - by writing recommendation letters, providing essay feedback, and mentoring - were also recognized. "The encouragement and support from mentors and peers during this time are invaluable," Staples added.

David Rubenstein, associate dean of the Graduate Schooland a former Goldwater scholar, recognized the applicants for their hard work and dedication. "You've challenged yourselves to articulate your visions through writing, revising, and refining your applications - a skill that is invaluable across any profession. I can attest to not only the hard work that you have put into these applications, but also the critical skills that you've honed through the process."

By the end of the spring semester, most applicants will learn whether they've secured fellowships, an accomplishment that will be recognized at the Graduate School's Wall of Honor ceremony in the spring.

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